COLUMBUS, Ga. | The 24^th-ranked Cougars of Columbus State used an explosive 27-point third quarter to pull away from the University of North Georgia women's basketball team for an 81-69 Peach Belt Conference victory on Saturday afternoon in CSU's Lumpkin Center.  UNG's Jordan Livesay and Kelsey Hutchins combined for 41 points to lead the way for the Nighthawks.

North Georgia led 36-34 at the break, but the Cougars grabbed control of the contest with a 27-14 third quarter fueled by a 10-0 stretch early in the period.

After trailing by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter, the Nighthawks were able to trim the deficit down to seven on two occasions.

UNG was plagued by 24 turnovers and 24 CSU offensive rebounds, resulting in 23 more field goal attempts for the hosts.

The Nighthawks fall to 17-10 overall and an even 9-9 in conference play, while Columbus State improves to 21-4, 15-3 PBC.

NOTES
- Molly Rainwater and Livesay hit all eight of their 3-point shots as each was a perfect 4-of-4 from long distance. The duo also crested career marks in the game as Rainwater connected on her 202^nd career three while Livesay knocked down her 102^nd trifecta.

- Meredith Mitchell led the way for Columbus State with a game-best 29 points on 10-of-22 shooting from the floor.  Brittney Tatum and Gabby Williams added 17 and 10 respectively for CSU.

- Columbus State extends their conference record home winning streak to 30 games, with the last loss in the Lumpkin Center coming to the Nighthawks (78-73) back on Feb. 8, 2014.

- Lauren Pounds dished out a game-high five assists, while Jackson pitched in with four helpers pushing the senior guard over the 300 career assist plateau.

NEXT
- UNG travels to Americus on Wednesday, Feb. 24 for a 5:30 PBC road challenge.